Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition whereby fatty deposits build
in the inner linings of the artery walls. The blockages restrict blood
circulation, primarily in the arteries leading to the kidneys, stomach,
arms, legs and feet.

Diagnosing PAD may be done with:

An abnormal ratio between the blood pressure of the ankle and arm (ankle/brachial
index, or ABI)

A Doppler ultrasound exam of an extremity

Angiography of the arteries in the legs (arteriography)

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of the extremity

An MRI scan

For many patients, PAD can be treated with lifestyle changes including
smoking cessation, controlling diabetes and blood pressure, more physical
activity, a low-cholesterol and a low-saturated fat diet. Some patients
require medications to improve their ability to walk longer distances,
antiplatelet agents or cholesterol-lowering agents. In some cases, angioplasty
or surgery is necessary.